FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 10, 2026
CARMEL, Ind. — Bolt for the Heart, in partnership with Presenting Sponsors Indiana University Health and Performance Services, will host its 15th Annual Bolt for the Heart AED Donation Ceremony on Thursday, March 19 at 12:00 p.m. at the Carmel Clay Public Library.
During the ceremony, 100 Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs) funded through the 2025 Bolt for the Heart 5K presented by IU Health on Thanksgiving morning, will be placed into the hands of Central Indiana first responders and community organizations.
Recipient agencies and organizations include:
Carmel Police Department
Westfield Police Department
Carmel Fire Department
Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department
Indiana State Police
Indiana State Excise Police
Indiana State Capitol Police
American Heart Association
Conner Prairie
Sudden cardiac arrest remains one of the leading causes of death in the United States. Immediate CPR and access to an AED can dramatically improve survival rates. By equipping law enforcement agencies, fire departments, and community organizations with these devices, Bolt for the Heart continues its mission to expand lifesaving access throughout Indiana.
“This milestone reflects the power of community partnership,” said Pierre M. Twer, President of Bolt for the Heart. “Through the leadership support of IU Health and Performance Services, along with our sponsors and race participants, we are able to strengthen emergency preparedness across Central Indiana and increase the likelihood of saving lives.”
The event will include remarks from Indiana Governor Mike Braun, organizational leadership and representatives of participating agencies. Media will have opportunities for interviews, photography, and video coverage of the AED distribution.
Event Details:
15th Annual Bolt for the Heart AED Donation Ceremony
March 19th || 12:00pm || Carmel Clay Public Library
In addition, Bolt for the Heart, the 500 Festival and Indiana University Health will announce a new Rescue Ready Race partnership designating the 2026 IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon to be officially recognized as AED Rescue Ready. This milestone reflects a shared commitment to protecting participants, volunteers, and spectators through a proactive race preparedness standard designed to meet the critical response window during sudden cardiac emergencies.
About Bolt for the Heart
Founded in 2010, Bolt for the Heart is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing public access to Automated External Defibrillators(AEDs) and educating communities on CPR and AED use. Through partnerships, community engagement, and its annual Thanksgiving race, Bolt for the Heart continues to expand lifesaving coverage across Indiana. To learn more about Bolt for the Heart and it’s mission, visit www.BoltfortheHeart.com
Media Contact:
Arron Stanton – Bolt for the Heart
Marketing Coordinator
p. 765-462-6777
e. arron@heartreachmedical.com
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